In some parts of Africa, Persons with albinism are treated very cruelly, even killed. Persecution of people with albinism is based on the belief that certain body parts of albinistic people transmit magical powers. This superstition, which is present in some parts of the African Great Lakes region, has been promulgated and exploited by witch doctors and others who use such body parts as ingredients in rituals, concoctions and potions with the claim that their magic will bring prosperity to the user (“muti” or medicine murder).
As a result, people with albinism have been persecuted, killed and dismembered, and graves of albinos dug up and desecrated. At the same time, people with albinism have also been ostracised and even killed for exactly the opposite reason, because they are presumed to be cursed and bring bad luck. (Wikipedia)
![3 weeks-old newborn with albinism happily sleeping with his cousin in Kinshasa, Congo [1600x1067] photo Patricia Willocq](https://kindnessblogdotcom1.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/3-weeks-old-newborn-with-albinism-happily-sleeping-with-his-cousin-in-kinshasa-congo-1600x1067-photo-patricia-willocq.jpg)
Basunga (3 weeks-old newborn with albinism) is happily sleeping with his cousin. For now, he does not yet realize the difficulties he will face to integrate into the Congolese society as a PWA. The success of his integration will greatly depends of how he accepts himself and his skin condition and how educated he will be.
Photo location – Kinshasa, Congo RDC
Photo and caption by Patricia Willocq – National Geographic
I think that education is the answer, but of course it’s a long term one and doesn’t help those already born or about to be. Kindness is indeed needed for them.
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Praying for this little one this morning! May he be safe and loved all the days of his life.
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Very sad, lives lost over fear and ignorance. How does one begin to educate the people against age-old beliefs and superstitions?
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